Bangalore: Nation Pays Homage to Col. Jojan Thomas
Daijiworld Media Network
Bangalore, Aug 25: Colonel Jojan Thomas, was buried with full state honours at St John's church in Bangalore on Monday. Colonel Thomas died during an encounter with militants in Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir last Friday.
Chief Minster BS Yediyurappa also attended the funeral to pay his respects and assured the family that the state would give them all the support that it can offer.
He inspired many, in life and in death
Times of India
BANGALORE: The garlanded portrait of Col Jojan Thomas welcomes friends, relatives and visitors at his flat in Manekshaw Vihar on St John's Church Road. He was one of the four armymen killed in an encounter with militants in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, on Friday morning.
Coming to terms with the death of a dear one is not easy. "He left the city on August 9 after a month-long vacation. We even had a voice chat with him the night before his death. Today, he is no more and it is difficult for us to accept this, especially for my mother ," said Meghana, Col Thomas' daughter.
He was leading a 45 Rashtriya Rifles ' reaction team in the forests of Macchal near the Line of Control. The team shot down six militants. The colonel is survived by his wife Beena Jojan Thomas, daughter Meghana Thomas (18) and son Philemon Thomas (11).
The body was brought to Bangalore Command Hospital on Saturday night. It will be taken to St George Knanaya Church on Monday and cremated with state honours at 2.30 pm, at the cemetery on Hosur Road.
Hailing from Tiruvalla, Kerala, Col Thomas' family has a history of defence service. His father Rt Captain P A Thomas died last September. His mother Aliyamma Thomas is yet to come to terms with the death.
Meghana said: "We know it is a risky job. Since I am the eldest child, the family is now my responsibility." She is undergoing commercial pilot training at the Philippines. "I was here on a vacation. Now, I will have to extend my leave. We moved to Bangalore three years ago after staying at several places in the country. My father wanted us to settle here and concentrate on our careers. Our life will continue as he planned it," she added.
Major Sandhu, a friend, last spoke to Col Thomas on Wednesday. "It's a big loss for the Army. He had experience working in various terrains for over 20 years. He also served as a pilot for six years. Youngsters looked up to him as he was a wonderful mentor and an inspiring personality. Above all, Col Thomas was a great human being," major Sandhu recounted.